As you look forward into the new year, you might have a sense that something isn’t quite right. Or you may be carrying thoughts and feelings that are hard to share with the people around you.

Starting counselling or therapy can feel like a big step — especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin. But counselling isn’t about being 'fixed'; it’s about being met where you are and feeling really listened to, without judgement or pressure to have all the answers..

My own experience of counselling showed me just how powerful it can be to say things out loud in a safe, supportive space

As a qualified counsellor and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I'm committed to offering that same compassionate, confidential space to others — a place where you can take time for yourself, make sense of what’s going on, and move forward at your own pace

What Is Counselling and How Can It Help?

The aim of counselling isn’t to give advice or tell you what to do. Instead, it’s about support — helping you to understand yourself more fully and make your own decisions.

Counselling gives you the opportunity to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a safe, confidential environment, where you are listened to with care and respect.

It isn’t about changing the past - clearly that isnt possible - but it is about finding ways to cope with the present. It offers you space to explore your thoughts and emotions, make sense of difficult experiences, and to develop new ways of relating to yourself and others.

What Can Counselling Help With?

A counselling session is time set aside purely for you — your experiences, your feelings, and your needs.

Counselling sessions can offer:

• a safe place to talk openly about what’s on your mind

• space to explore thoughts and feelings at your own pace

• support to better understand yourself, your thoughts, feelings, actions and reactions

• an experience of being heard, valued, and taken seriously

This can be especially helpful if you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, low in confidence, or struggling with how you see yourself or how you want to feel.

What Happens in a Counselling Session?

While it can be helpful to have an overall goal for therapy, each session begins by focusing on what feels most important to you at that moment.

Some people find it useful to bring notes or reflections from the week; others prefer to simply arrive and see what comes up.

A typical counselling session may include:

• checking in on how you’ve been since our last meeting

• exploring your thoughts, feelings, or experiences

• noticing patterns in your thinking, behaviour, or emotions

• gently considering new perspectives or ways forward

• reflecting on what’s been helpful and what you may want to take away and try before the next session

Sessions are shaped around you and your needs, and there is no expectation to talk about anything before you feel ready.

Confidentiality in Counselling

Everything you share in counselling is treated as confidential. This means I won’t discuss the content of our work with anyone else without your consent. When I attend clinical supervision —where I discuss my work with another qualified professional to ensure I'm providing you with the best support— I always protect your identity.

There are some legal and ethical limits to confidentiality, including:

• if I believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm

• if there are safeguarding concerns involving a child or vulnerable adult

• if disclosure is required by law.

Wherever possible, I will always aim to discuss any concerns with you first.

My Approach to Counselling

“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”

Brown, B., 2017.  Rising Strong.  New York: Random House, P.182.

I offer face-to-face counselling, with each session lasting 50 minutes. There is no set number of sessions — we work together at a pace that feels right for you.

I provide a supportive space where you can offload without being judged, reflect, explore your options, and make sense of your feelings.

I work integratively, which means I draw on different therapeutic approaches depending on what feels most helpful for you. My practice is rooted in person-centred counselling. I believe you are the expert in your own life, and my role is to support you in exploring what matters to you — with warmth, curiosity, and respect. Where appropriate, I may also incorporate elements from other approaches to best support your individual needs.

Counselling is a collaborative process. While I am there to support and guide you, the work is led by you.

Starting Counselling: Taking the First Step

Having had personal experience of counselling myself, I understand how daunting it can feel to contact someone new and ask for support. Reaching out for counselling takes courage, and it’s natural to feel nervous or uncertain at first. 

If you’re not ready to talk just yet, you’re welcome to get in touch and ask any questions you may have, using the contact form on my website. I also offer a free 30-minute consultation, giving you the opportunity to talk things through and decide whether counselling with me feels right for you — with no obligation to continue.

Whether you’re facing a specific challenge or simply have a sense that something isn’t quite right, I’m here to support you at whatever pace feels right.

When you feel ready, you can get in touch to make an appointment at caringcounsellingworthing.co.uk.